Mizoram: Youth ‘sexually harassed’ by ex-CM Sailo’s grandson

Aizawl: An alleged case of sexual harassment has been filed against the grandson of T Sailo, the two-time former chief minister of Mizoram, by a 24-year-old youth in the capital city of Aizawl.

As per an FIR by the victim’s mother, the incident happened on the intervening night of September 7 and 8 at Zarkawt in Aizawl when two groups -- one led by the accused Zodinliana Sailo – had a showdown at a karaoke bar named Lyrics Karaoke Lounge. Zodinliana was celebrating his bachelor’s party with his friends. When the police arrived, the victim said he didn’t want to file an FIR as it was a minor incident.

However, later, Zodinliana came back with a friend, R Lalhruaitluanga, on a Hyundai Verna car (MZ-01 J 3333) and tricked the victim to get into the car, said his mother. Just as they were nearing the Salem Veng locality, the accused told his friend to go out of the car. “As this point, my son is harassed using pistol, sticks, Taser, body bags and bottles. They tore his T-shirt and told him to take his remaining clothes off. As he feared for his life, my son did as he was told,” wrote the victim’s mother in the FIR.

As per the victim’s mother, the accused then took photos of his naked body and said, “We will keep you in the body bag and take it somewhere no one will know, as we have done many times in the past.” After sexually harassing him for more than an hour, during which the accused forced the victim to indulge in a number of sexual acts, they returned his clothes and let him off, she added.

The victim’s mother then filed an FIR at the Aizawl police station on September 10. On September 11, the police reportedly took statements from both the parties, as well the victim’s medical reports. As per the woman, on September 12, the police took her son to the spot for inquiry along with the accused, Zodinliana. However, the victim’s mother added, there was no look of guilt or shame on the face of the accused.

After the inquiry, as per the victim’s mother, the police told them not to proceed further in the case and to reach an agreement in their “traditional” way. On September 27, the victim’s family reportedly went to meet Aizawl SP Bijendra Kumar and told him about their story.

Confirming the incident, Aizawl Additional SP PC Lalcbunglura told EastMojo that although the accused was taken into police custody, he was later granted bail by the court. "Meanwhile, investigations are still on," he added.

As per sources, the police will file a charge sheet in the case but it is due to the upcoming elections in the state that the matter has not been pursued for the time being, as they are ‘overburdened’. The police, however, denied any pressure from any of political party regarding the case.